Persevering Faithfully in Love

Devotions Week 21:

Of all the commitments enjoyed by Christianity, none is more essential and yet more neglected than prayer. ~ Francois Fe’nelon

Repentance and renewal. Against you and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge… Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:4, 10
(read 51:1-13)

The love that first brought you to God. “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.”

Revelation 2:3-4
(read 2:1-5)

The command to persevere. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Hebrews 10:36
(read 10:35-39)

Persevering under trials and temptations. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love Him.

James 1:12
(read 1:2-12)

Signs of the end times. “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 24:12-13
(read 24:1-14)

Maintain & increase our faith daily. So see to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage each other daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Hebrews 3:12-14
(read 3:7-15)

Thanksgiving and prayer. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:5-6
(read 1:2-11)

‘Forgive our sins as we forgive’ You taught us, Lord, to pray,But You alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.How can Your pardon reach and bless the unforgiving heartThat broods on wrongs and will not let old bitterness depart?In blazing light your cross reveals the truth we dimly knew,How small the debt men owe to us, how great our debt to you.Lord cleanse the depths within our souls and bid resentment cease;Then, reconciled to God and man, our lives will spread your peace.